For San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Division

This project is a design study to develop an affordable and practical project plan to remove and/or modify an existing barrier impacting summer movement of Coho and steelhead on Pescadero Creek. Other project tasks include CEQA documentation, permitting applications, and coordination with local, state, and federal agencies.

The current crossing of Pescadero Creek consists of a concrete ford fitted with a slotted or baffled fish ladder. The physical barrier and resultant shallow water, upstream sedimentation, and lack of hiding habitat and cover make the crossing an obstacle to upstream fish movement during many months of the year.

Different alternatives were analyzed to optimize the range of flows for passage of juvenile and adult Coho. Channel configurations were modeled to optimize depth and velocity traits. The appropriate solution will improve salmonid habitat and provide a cost- effective, low- maintenance way to access existing camp grounds.